Chery Auto says that in the first five months of 2011 its vehicle exports to Brazil increased 413.6% from a year ago to 13,605 units, which makes the South American country its largest overseas market.

There are currently 70 Chery-franchised sales and service outlets in Brazil. Local sales of Chery cars reached 5,000 in 2010, and are projected to jump to 30,000 this year.

Last September, Chery signed an agreement with the state of São Paulo to build vehicle and parts plants in the city of Jacarei. $400 million will be spent in two phases to create a production capacity of 150,000 vehicles a year in Jacarei eventually.

Chery sold 270,600 new vehicles worldwide in the first five months this year. Its exports increased 75.21% on year to 14,110 units in May, and 83.8% to 55,249 in the first five months this year.